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According to a backstage report, Aleister Black has a negative perception within AEW following his WWE exit. An AEW return may not be possible for the former WWE Superstar due to this backstage sentiment.
Chris Sabin confirmed on Twitter that the Motor City Machine Guns have been released from WWE, responding to the news by promoting his band GRPPLNG's upcoming 4-song EP. Alex Shelley also acknowledged the release with a brief response to Sabin's tweet.
Ex-WWE star Stevie Richards challenged Triple H and TKO executives to "walk around without security" while criticizing WWE's approach to talent protection following reported fan incidents during WrestleMania weekend. On his YouTube channel, Richards argued that WWE lacks dedicated, traveling security teams for performers and called the situation "reactive" rather than proactive, comparing it unfavorably to how other major sports and entertainment industries handle security. Richards warned that WWE may not take action "until something really bad happens" to a wrestler and specifically called out executives Ari Emanuel, Mark Shapiro, and Triple H to experience the same lack of protection that talent reportedly faced.
Nikki Bella says she "pitches hard" to turn heel in WWE but doesn't have control over when or how it will happen. She hopes to end her wrestling career in a heel role, though she acknowledges she doesn't write creative for the company.
Bryan Alvarez reports that more names were on the list of NXT wrestlers to be cut. Additional departures are expected to be made public later this week.
Nikki Cross shared a heartfelt message on social media to one of her best friends in the wrestling industry following her release from WWE. The message was described as an emotional farewell to her traveling partner after her departure from the company.
WWE NXT boss Shawn Michaels recently explained how rapper Sexyy Red first became involved with the wrestling promotion and commented on their onscreen partnership.
Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL has signed with WWE but has not been assigned to Raw, SmackDown, or NXT, according to PWInsider. He is currently listed internally on WWE's "Misc." roster alongside legends and injured talents, and the company has not officially acknowledged his signing. There are expectations that EVIL will not keep his ring name when he eventually debuts on WWE programming.
Former WWE star Shane McMahon attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, accompanying his mother Linda McMahon. A shooting occurred at the event.
Nikki Bella has pitched to WWE about taking the Raw General Manager role in the future. She also wants to win the WWE Women's World Championship before retiring from in-ring competition.
Kairi Sane has returned to Japan following her WWE release, with PWInsider confirming that rumors about her return being reversed or appearing on RAW are not true. According to Fightful Select, many within WWE were shocked by her release since she was actively involved in a storyline with Asuka and IYO Sky, with frustration reportedly growing over the unfinished angle. Despite fan support online and the hashtag #WeWantKairi trending, sources indicate she is expected to have multiple options with other wrestling companies.
A backstage report has provided new details about the latest wave of WWE departures and cuts. The report includes information on who made the decision to release talents and reveals reactions to some of the departures.